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“Today we are signing over real power from Whitehall to Oxford, giving the people who know Oxford best an unprecedented opportunity to decide how to invest millions of pounds in the region. The Oxford City Deal will provide the improved roads and public transport links the area needs to make the most of its world class universities and innovative science facilities. By creating thousands of jobs and hundreds of new apprenticeships, this deal has the genuine power to change the fortunes of many people across the region, ensuring we are building a stronger economy and doing it fairly.”

Oxford and the surrounding area will be given a cash injection to create thousands of new jobs, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will announce today as he signs the landmark Oxford City Deal handing power over to the region.

Nick Clegg is in Oxford to sign a City deal creating thousands of jobs Credit: ITV Meridian

The City Deal will see major improvements in local roads and public transport specifically tailored to link universities with the city’s major industrial and research areas.

More than 18,000 long term jobs will be created through the deal.

Plus more than 30,000 construction jobs to support the area’s development. Today’s announcement comes as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Cities visit the Harwell science campus to sign the historic City Deal. They will meet staff who will benefit from the improved transport links

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has pledge continued funding to help ease the pressure on school places as demand increases across the South. He was at a nursery in the region encouraging parents to take advantage of a new allowance.

Kate Bunkall reports. She spoke to Nick Clegg and Councillor John Ennis from Reading Borough Council.